The Rolex Yacht-Master II 116680 is one of the most technically ambitious watches Rolex has ever produced — a purpose-built regatta chronograph designed to give competitive sailors a genuine countdown tool on the wrist. First released in 2007 and brought to stainless steel in 2013, this reference makes a bold statement with its oversized 44mm Oyster case, engineered specifically around the demands of yacht racing starts.

At the heart of the watch is Rolex’s patented Ring Command bezel, finished with a blue Cerachrom ceramic insert. Rotating the bezel mechanically engages an internal clutch that links it to the movement, allowing the crown to program a countdown timer from 1 to 10 minutes — a genuine mechanical first when originally introduced, and still one of the most distinctive complications Rolex has built. The crisp white dial is fitted with blue accents and Mercedes-style hands (the classic three-pointed handset used across much of Rolex’s sports watch range) filled with luminescent coating, alongside a central chronograph hand, small seconds sub-dial, and date display, keeping the layout legible even in fast-moving conditions on deck.

Inside is the Rolex Calibre 4161, an in-house automatic flyback chronograph movement built on a column-wheel and vertical clutch architecture derived from the Daytona’s Calibre 4130. It offers an approximate 72-hour power reserve, and on 2017-onward production, gained official chronometer certification. A scratch-resistant sapphire crystal protects the dial, and the case, fitted with a Triplock crown, is water-resistant to 100 metres.

The watch is completed with a solid Oyster bracelet, finished with the Oysterlock safety clasp and Rolex’s 5mm comfort extension for quick adjustment.

Bold, technical, and genuinely purpose-built rather than styled after a sport, the Yacht-Master II 116680 remains one of Rolex’s most distinctive and conversation-starting modern references.

This watch is available to pickup from our boutique in Sydney CBD.

Comes as a full set down to all the links and paperwork.